president’s post 20170419

As the first quarter of 2017 comes to a close, I ardently look ahead to the many exciting initiatives we have planned for the rest of the year. Our Chapter is focusing its attention on the AIA tenets of Community Redevelopment, and Public Outreach for the month of April. Last week we spent some time talking with Akron’s Director of Planning and Urban Development, Jason Segedy about ideas for Planning to Grow Akron. It is very encouraging to hear that the City of Akron is diligently working on the policy side of the equation to pave a path for reinvestment into the city. The course has been charted for designers and community activists to take advantage of the many opportunities that exist throughout our region.

Further building on the theme of Community Redevelopment, on the eve of the AIA national convention we will have a lunchtime discussion with Kyle Kutuchief and Dan Rice on the initiatives that the Knight Foundation is promoting throughout the city of Akron. With guidance from community leaders like Segedy, Kutuchief, and Rice, it is not implausible to imagine how AIA Akron could perform as resource to the community and serve as an instigator for positive change throughout the neighborhoods of North Eastern Ohio.

Our Public Outreach initiatives are gaining momentum this month as well. The Cleveland | Akron CanStruction effort is in full swing with the build day scheduled for April 27th at Strongsville Mall. The theme: Champions for Hunger will help generate resources for the Cleveland | Akron Food bank in their annual Harvest for Hunger Campaign. An awards reception will be held on April 29th, and the installations will remain on display until May 8th.

AIA Akron will once again be participating in the STEM career day at Firestone High School. We look forward to the opportunity to meet the many talented young minds that will be in attendance. We eagerly anticipate the chance to share our passion for the inspiring profession of architecture which perfectly blends the best aspects of science, technology, engineering art and mathematics into a creative and rewarding process.

Lastly, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue to build relationships with others at the u AIA National Convention coming up at the end of this month. I never tire of learning new ways of working together to inspire architects and designer to do their best work. I hope to see you in Orlando!